MIDDLEWICH’S MP hosted a parliamentary event on behalf for an Arthritis charity to highlight the effects of the condition in the workplace.

Fiona Bruce MP hosted an event for Arthritis Research UK following a debate in October that brought the condition to the fore for the first time in five years.

The MP wants to use the event as a means to ask the government to provide more support for workers and to help close the ‘arthritis employment gap.’

Mrs Bruce said: “The government must ensure that there is a level playing field so that people with arthritis who are able to work have the right support to remain.

“The ability to work is something that we often take for granted, but I’ve learnt from talking to local constituents how difficult this can be for those living with the pain and unpredictability.”

Only 60 per cent of working age people with a musculoskeletal condition are in work, compared to 80 per cent among those without a health condition or a disability.

The ‘arthritis work gap’ means that 600,000 people with the condition are currently missing out on the opportunity to work, and causes 32.4m sick days each year.

Christine Walker, a sufferer of arthritis and supporter of the charity, was the subject of Fiona’s speech in the debate.

Christine said: “I hope that through events such as this, we might be able to see changes.”